What Happens after you KonMari your Wardrobe?

Welcome to the BigFlyNotions stop on the Basically Jalie Blog Tour, hosted by The Petite Sewist and Auschick Sews! Stay tuned until the end to learn about the sewalong and how to enter to win Jalie patterns as well as prizes from our amazing sponsors.

In the PDF pattern world, Jalie gets mentioned a LOT when people are discussing patterns with great drafting and construction, especially in conversations about athletic gear. I can confidently announce Jalie is now my go-to for my day to day wardrobe!

I recently saw this saying and realize it is in reference to creating a more positive lifestyle in general….. Buuuuut, come on, I’m a seamstress, I’m gonna apply this to my closet too!

Saying Adios

I recently went through and Konmari’d my wardrobe (minus the thanking bit, I’m not quite there yet). I’d amassed an embarrassing number of items that didn’t fit, weren’t my style, aren’t comfortable, etc. Looking through my closet after this ruthless purge made me realize:

I have a mom uniform

It revolves around layers: dresses and cardigans or leggings with longer tops, paired with cardigans (of course).

I need to hunt down patterns to sew more uniforms to help bolster my currently meager closet

Saying Bonjour

So, now for the fun part – to tell you about the amazing basics I discovered:

This cardigan was a total joy to sew up. It is a bit more technical than your typical cardi but it is super clever how the pockets are created and the finishes are typical Jalie (stellar). I made this one in some amazing brushed sweater knit from Mily Mae. It is super soft and I find myself reaching for it a LOT.

I’m a total sucker for a curved hem so the raglan was a no brainer. I love how the pattern pieces are used. Rather than having different cut lines or pieces for the tank and the top, front and back, it is done in a modular fashion. Jalie provides you with a pattern piece from under the bust down to the hem and you tape it to a front and back piece for the shoulders to the bust, depending on whether you’re making the tank or the shirt.

First, I made the shirt from this floral spun polyester. This doesn’t have the drape I was wanting but I loved the print and will wear it loads, especially with the cardigan. The neckline is the perfect balance of not feeling too exposed or constricted.

I sewed the racerback tank in drapey bamboo lycra from Knitpop (affiliate link). I went for a more casual look, opting to not bind the arm and neck holes.

I cannot stop talking about the Clara leggings. They do not have a vertical seam above the crotch. NO CAMEL TOE! The fit is perfection, my only adjustment was for height (I’m quite petite). I made a pair from 12oz black cotton lycra and another from yoga knit and have two more pairs cut out in black double brushed poly.

The waistband is worth mentioning too. It is a contoured waistband and you construct the topmost seam first, then attach elastic to the seam allowance which then gets understitched. The waistband does not move and will support me in anything, whether yoga, running, or my 24/7 professional momming.

I still have a fairly empty closet but I have two new outfits that I know will fit my lifestyle and will be worn loads. Now, to get to sewing up those other two pairs of Claras!

Sewalong and Giveaway!

Are there some Jalie patterns you’ve been itching to get? Now’s your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie’s website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only.

For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie “basic” between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group.

We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):

As one of the sponsors of the blog tour, just wanted to say what a great job you did. The Clara leggings are so fabulous. I’ve made them many times, mainly from Polartec Power Stretch. Your version is lovely. Congratulations from the girls at Discovery Trekking Outfitters performance fabrics.

Oh my gosh, I had no idea the Claras could help prevent camel toe! You’ve just given me another reason to this pattern. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and am glad you Konmarie’d your wardrobe. Isn’t it great to only keep things that bring you joy?!